AMD FX-8370 processor: review and testing

In the autumn of 2014 AMD has introduced three 8-core processors: the platforms Socket AM3+. They were: AMD FX-8370, FX-8370E and FX-8320E. Recently we have introduced you to the model AMD FX-8320E, which has reduced level of TDP up to 95 W. In this review we are going to consider the version of the AMD FX-8370, which has the maximum performance. At the same time the level of TDP does not exceed 125 W which allows you to keep compatibility with a large number of motherboards and cooling systems.

The updating of lineup of processors AMD FX series has not brought fundamental changes in the microarchitecture, but significantly expanded the range of devices of series AMD Vishera. Comparative table of the technical specifications of new products is the following:

Model

AMD FX-8320E

AMD FX-8370E

AMD FX-8370

CPU socket

Socket AM3+

Socket AM3+

Socket AM3+

Clock frequency, MHz

Nominal

3200

3300

4000

In turbo mode

4000

4300

4300

L2 cache-memory capacity, MB

8

8

8

L3 cache-memory capacity, MB

8

8

8

Max calculated power (TDP), W

95

95

125

Manufacturing process, nm

32

32

32

As can be seen, the hero of this review is the most productive product of the three new devices. Let's look at its features in more detail.

Processor AMD FX-8370 is shipped in a colorful box, which is decorated in black and red colors typical of the series AMD FX. On the front side there is a stylized image of the CPU. Title «Black Edition» means that the processor may be subjected to substantial overclocking, but it should ensure a reliable cooling.

The side has the key benefits of AMD FX-8370:

unlocked multiplier;

8 computational cores;

good overclocking potential.

Also, the manufacturer recommends the graphics accelerato, AMD Radeon Series to achieve for maximum performance in modern games.

The reverse side of the box lists a delivery set in different languages. Also, there is a label with a bar code and serial number of the CPU.

The package includes:

cooling system;

sticker on the computer case;

Quick Installation Guide of CPU cooling system.

The heat-spreading lid AMD FX-8370 has a model name, labeling and country of manufacture. As you can see, the chip is produced in Germany, and the final assembly is made in Malaysia.

On the reverse side there is a standard set of contacts of the socket Socket AM3+.

Cooling system

The processor has a relatively high TDP (125 W), so in the standard kit it comes with quite efficient cooling system based on copper heat pipes.

Fan Cooler Master FA07015E12BMC (12; 0.7 A) with a diameter of 70 mm is used to blow. It is connected with a standard four-contact connector that allows you to control the speed of rotation of the blades of the PWM method.

The radiator has a stepped design and nickel-plated edges that should greatly increase its durability at high temperature. The CPU is in contact with copper area through a thin layer of thermal paste.

Four copper heat pipes are used for heat dissipation. They are spread over the entire surface of the radiator.

Heat pipes are firmly soldered to the edges of the radiator as well as to the copper base, which improves the efficiency of the cooling system.

Performance analysis

Processor AMD FX-8370 refers to the high line and has eight cores that can operate in 8 threaded mode. Under load with inactive technology AMD Turbo Core 3.0 clock frequency at the time of reading was 4013 MHz (multiplier "x20" and the reference frequency of 200 MHz). Core voltage was around 1,248 V.

After activation of the technology AMD Turbo Core 3.0 multiplier value rose to "x20,5", and processor speed most of the time was at 4100 MHz. In general, in this mode, the frequency varied from 3700 to 4300 MHz. Supply voltage varied depending on the load in the range from 1100 to 1416 mV.

For testing we used the complete cooling system, which showed quite good results: at full load the CPU temperature did not exceed 64°C. Cooling system operated in the mode «Standart», which was installed in the motherboard BIOS.

Under the continuous full load the speed of its blades ranged from 4800 to 5000 rpm, which is higher than the figure for comfortable long-term work at the computer. In the normal mode, under daily load the noise of cooling system will be in the standard range.

In idle mode the fan rotates at a speed of 3000 rpm producing a moderate noise. The maximum temperature did not exceed 34°C, which is totally comfortable indicator.

In idle mode the load was not significant, so the frequency of the cores dropped to 1405 MHz with a multiplier value "x7" and the voltage 0.864 V.

Distribution of processor cache memory is as follows. 16 KB of L1 cache per core with 4 channels of associativity allocated for caching data. For instructions are 64 KB of L1 cache with 2 channels of associativity for each dual-core module. There is also a 2048 KB of L2 cache with 16 channels of associativity for each dual-core module. Additionally here is 8 MB of shared L3 cache with 64 channels of associativity.